Pakistan: Three Killed And Two Americans Wounded In Peshawar Suicide Attack

Two Americans working for the US consulate in Pakistan's north-western city of Peshawar were wounded in a bomb attack on Monday, which killed at least three other people and left a six-foot crater in a road close to United Nations offices.

A security source said a bomb inside a Suzuki car was detonated as a vehicle left the American consulate, injuring at least 19 people.

TV footage showed a 4x4 at the site which had been reduced to a carcase of twisted, charred metal. Americans have frequently been targeted in the city which stands close to the Afghan border and on the edge of Pakistan's lawless tribal areas.

Ambassador Toria Nuland, a spokeswoman for the US Department of State said: "Two US personnel and two Pakistani staff of the consulate were injured and are receiving medical treatment.

"No US Consulate personnel were killed, but we are seeking further information about other victims of this heinous act. We stand ready to work with Pakistani authorities on a full investigation so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice."

Earlier a local minister had claimed two Americans had been killed. Irfan Khan, a local resident, said he was at a nearby shop when the blast occurred.

"I quickly looked back in panic to see smoke and dust erupt from the scene," said Khan. "I ran toward the scene along with others and saw two vehicles destroyed and the larger vehicle on fire."

No claim of responsibility has yet been made.

Last year, the Pakistan Taliban said it had carried out a bomb attack on two US vehicles in the city, which killed passing motorcyclist.